We tacked some great Linux subjects this year, from building home servers to finding the perfect Linux distribution and even fixing some Ubuntu annoyances. Here's a look back at our top Linux downloads and posts from 2012 (with a little FreeBSD thrown in for fun).

DVD players are so 1999. In this day and age, a custom media center running XBMC is the only thing…
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DVD players are so 1999. In this day and age, a custom media center running XBMC is the only thing you really need hooked up to your TV-whether you're watching movies you've ripped, streaming your favorite TV shows from Netflix and Hulu, or even playing video games. More »

You've heard the word "server" thrown around a lot, but usually in the context of web sites or big companies that have a lot of data to store. In reality, a server can be just as useful in your home. More »

Whether you're a beginner or you've been using Linux systems for years, you probably have an opinion on what the best distribution is. "Best," is obviously a relative term, and we understand that what's best for beginners may not be best for advanced users, and so on. More »

Linux is a badass open-source operating system. Take it from a card-carrying Linux lover. But it's not without problems. One such problem: There are nearly six hundred different versions of Linux out there-an incredibly overwhelming number to even the most experienced of Linux users. More »

Ubuntu is still the most popular Linux distribution around, but a lot of people are leaving it for greener, Unity-free pastures. If you like Ubuntu but don't like its interface and default apps, Ubuntu Builder can help you create your own, customized version. More »

Ubuntu: Watching Netflix on Linux has always been a pain, since Microsoft Silverlight isn't available on Linux. The unofficial Netflix app for Ubuntu makes it easy to install Netflix and start watching movies right away. More »

So you've gotten started with Linux, maybe tried Ubuntu or Mint, but you're ready to move on to another distro. Get Linux is a simple app that helps you browse information on tons of other distros available. More »

So there you have it. It has been a great year of Linux downloads and tweaks. Whether your favorite of the year made the list or not, we'd love to hear which guide helped you the most. And if you're still hungry for more Linux, take a gander at the most popular Linux posts of 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.